Keeping up with America

US Government Investing $1.6 Billion in Mining Company USA Rare Earth

The federal government is injecting $1.6 billion into domestic mining to shore up the supply of rare-earth minerals used in everything from EVs to fighter jets.

Treasury Cancels Major Contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton Over Compliance

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has officially canceled several high-profile contracts, signaling a shift in how the government handles private-sector partnerships.

New York State Senate Begins Heated Public Hearings on 2026-2027 Budget

Lawmakers in Albany are clashing over Governor Hochul’s proposed spending plan as public hearings officially kick off this week.

USS Wichita Crew Completes Critical At-Sea Repairs to Maintain Border Readiness

Sailors aboard the USS Wichita successfully repaired major propulsion systems while deployed, ensuring the ship stays on mission for southern border operations.

Kansas Legislature Hits Roadblock on Proposed K-12 Student Cell Phone Ban

A bill aimed at removing phones from classrooms has stalled in committee as Republicans and Democrats debate the impact on student safety and freedom.

Senate Antitrust Panel Chair Raises Alarm Over Netflix-Warner Merger Deal

Washington is looking closer at the media landscape as concerns grow that the latest streaming merger could stifle competition and hike prices for consumers.

Around the World

US Deploys Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

The “armada” is on the move as the U.S. increases its military presence in response to regional threats and nuclear concerns.

EU Tightens Oversight on WhatsApp Channels Citing New Digital Safety Rules

Regulators in the European Union say Meta’s messaging service must now obey stricter content moderation rules due to its massive user base.

Floods in Mozambique Displace Over 500,000 People Following Heavy Rains

NASA satellite imagery shows the devastating scale of the flooding as international aid organizations scramble to provide emergency relief.

Micron Breaks Ground on $24 Billion AI-Focused Chip Facility in Singapore

The massive investment aims to meet the global demand for NAND technology used to power the next generation of artificial intelligence.

India and EU Ready Major Defense Pact During High-Profile Republic Day Visit

European leaders join India’s Republic Day celebrations as the two powers solidify a new partnership on global security and defense.

EU Probes Elon Musk’s X After Outcry Over AI-Generated Deepfake Images

The investigation follows a massive public backlash regarding the safety and moderation of X’s Grok AI service.

Business & Tech

2026 Stanford Emerging Technology Review Highlights AI and Space Disruption

The latest SETR report, released this week, provides a critical blueprint for policymakers on how ten frontier technologies are reshaping the American economy and national security.

Regions Bank Partners with Worldpay to Transform Business Payment Systems

Regions Bank is integrating Worldpay technology to offer merchants new multi-channel payment tools, enhanced fraud protection, and better cash flow management.

Lands’ End Announces $300 Million Joint Venture with WHP Global

The apparel retailer is selling a 50% controlling stake in its brand IP to WHP Global to unlock immediate liquidity and fully repay its outstanding term loans.

Bob’s Discount Furniture Eyes $2.5 Billion Valuation in New York IPO Filing

The home goods giant officially set its IPO price range on Monday, aiming to raise nearly $370 million as it prepares to list on the NYSE under the ticker “BOBS.”

CVC Capital Agrees to Buy US Credit Manager Marathon for $1.2 Billion

In a major move for the private credit market, CVC is acquiring 100% of Marathon Asset Management to expand its footprint in the U.S. opportunistic credit space.

UC Santa Cruz Study Calls for Worker Participation in Generative AI Shifts

New research from Sociology Professor Chris Benner argues that workers must be involved in AI design to prevent algorithmic surveillance and ensure equitable job quality.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

The “Ritual” Method: How Creating Financial Habits Can End Money Anxiety

Researchers suggest turning your monthly budget review into a “pleasurable ritual” at a local cafe to build a healthier, more consistent relationship with your cash flow.

Altruism’s Secret Reward: Why Helping Others is a Top-Tier Mental Health Investment

New data from early 2026 confirms that “altruistic exercise”—performing acts of kindness—triggers a neurochemical release of oxytocin and dopamine that lowers cortisol levels.

The Science of the Digital Detox: How Unplugging Reclaims Your Attention Span

A new study reveals that even a partial reduction in screen time can improve focus and reduce anxiety, with benefits comparable to reversing 10 years of age-related cognitive decline.

Slow Productivity: The Secret to Doing Better Work by Doing Less Simultaneously

Cal Newport argues that by reducing the number of active projects, you cut down on administrative “work about work,” allowing for deeper focus and higher quality results.

The “Meat and Nuts” Breakfast: A High-Protein Hack for Laser Mental Focus

Top performance coaches are highlighting this breakfast combination as a way to raise dopamine and acetylcholine, stabilizing your blood sugar and focus for hours.

Forest Bathing: Why “Shinrin-yoku” is the Stress-Busting Meditation You Need Now

Spending as little as 15 minutes mindfully connecting with nature is clinically shown to increase natural killer cell activity and significantly drop levels of stress hormones.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

PWHL Surpasses 500,000 Fans in Landmark Season Milestone

The Professional Women’s Hockey League has officially crossed the half-million attendance mark, shattering previous records before the Olympic break.

Luka Doncic Scores 46 Points as Lakers Edge Out the Bulls

In a high-scoring Monday night thriller, Doncic’s masterclass performance led Los Angeles to a 129-118 victory in Chicago.

Jessica Pegula Reaches Australian Open Semis After Toppling Defending Champ

In an all-American quarterfinal, Pegula knocked out Madison Keys in a performance that has fans dreaming of a Grand Slam title.

Margot Robbie Stuns in Black Lace to Promote New “Wuthering Heights” Film

The actress turned heads in Hollywood while arriving for a late-night talk show appearance, generating buzz for her upcoming Emily Brontë adaptation.

Bella Hadid and Cowboy Boyfriend Adan Banuelos Reportedly Split

After two years together, the supermodel and the professional horseman have reportedly called it quits, citing a tumultuous schedule.

Victoria Beckham Celebrates Spice Girls Reunion for Emma Bunton’s 50th

Fans went wild as “Posh” shared photos with her former bandmates, sparking rumors of a wider reunion tour for the iconic pop group.

Charlotte Hornets Rout 76ers in Dominant 50-Point Victory

The Hornets put on a clinic on Monday night, securing one of the most lopsided wins in franchise history.

Aryna Sabalenka Crushes American Phenom Iva Jovic to Reach Semis

The world #2 showed no mercy in Melbourne, ending the 18-year-old’s Cinderella run in under an hour of play.

Life Hack to Hack Your Life